Dear Families
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the very best of health. I write to you at the end of half term one following what has been a tremendously positive start to the academic year. There are a number of updates below including detail of how our community has celebrated Diwali. Student have enjoyed sweets, samosas and fun activities in school. More on this below.
Spencer Superstars
You may be aware that students across the Spencer Trust schools are eligible to apply for a grant from our charitable foundation known as the Spencer Superstars. The aim of the foundation is to support children and young people, attending Spencer Academies, to pursue their passions and follow their dreams. The Foundation provides financial gifts directly to children and young people, to support opportunities in one of the following disciplines:
- The Arts
- Sports
- Science & Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Conservation
- Wellbeing & Healthy Lifestyles
- Community Projects.
It may be that a student is passionate about portraiture, fashion or music. They may be a promising athlete, or have an idea to create a new App to help learning. Perhaps the young person has a blueprint for an ethical start up business for protecting the environment, or for contributing to healthy living and volunteering. Whichever discipline a child is passionate about, it is our desire to support their passion by gifting the funds raised to our children and young people to help them fulfil their aspiration. If you think your child may be a potential Spencer Superstar, please contact their Year Team to explore eligibility and how to apply.
Year 11 Update
Our Year 11 students have had another busy week with a number of events taking place. On Tuesday, a selection of students were invited to attend a Maths Walking-Talking Mock, in which students were led through the intricacies of a Maths Mock Exam Paper and provided with valuable advice to support them with their assessment after the Half Term Holiday. On Thursday all Year 11 students were invited to have a Mock Interview with one of 35 volunteers from local employers. Students were taken through a series of Mock Interview questions to prepare them for their next steps, whether that be Sixth Form, College or Apprenticeship interviews. All students will receive detailed feedback which will support them through the next stages of their journey. We would like to once again thank the local employers who gave up their valuable time to support our students on this journey and will reiterate how proud we were of the Year 11 students and how seriously they took this opportunity.
As you will no doubt be aware, our first round of Year 11 Mock Exam’s has already begun this past week with those students in Art, Textiles and Modern Foreign Languages sitting their exams, however, for our core subjects, these Mocks begin the week we return from Half Term (Week commencing 3rd November). All students have received a mock exam timetable this week. I would just like to remind Year 11 students that these mocks are not just a test of their knowledge but a chance to show progress, figure out what their strengths are and the things they will need to do to improve. Every little bit of effort that is put in now will make all the difference later, so please approach revision and every paper after half term with confidence, stay calm and just give it your best, because as we always say your best is all anyone can ask for.
Year 11 English
All year 11 students should have received a booklet of GCSE Language Paper 2 past papers, along with a booklet of GCSE Literature mini mocks to aid their revision over the holidays and beyond. Please encourage your child to engage with this. Teachers are more than happy to provide feedback on our return to school.
Year 7 & 8 Update
It has been a fantastic start to the year for Year 7 and Year 8. All students have settled really well into this academic term, and it has been great to see that they are making fantastic progress in their lessons.
This half term’s focus has been on what it means to be a Derby Moor student. We have looked at students’ understanding of, and ability to display, the following behaviours: giving direct attention to the member of staff, following our High 5 routines, maintaining high expectations, and demonstrating resilience.
Next half term, our focus is to “be the best you can be”. This will include displaying maximum effort in everything they do, living our value of achievement, and developing resourcefulness — a key employability skill.
Dates for your diary – W/c 10th & 17Th November will be NGRT testing for Year 7
Friday 28th November and Monday 1st December – School closed to students.
Warwick Castle Trip
On Tuesday 21st October, 80 of our year 7 students had the opportunity to visit the magnificent Warwick Castle. Originally constructed in 1068, Warwick Castle boasts one of the best castle experiences in the country. Our students were able to learn all about how and why it was built, whilst exploring the grounds. Students were able to walk along the battlements and climb the towers taking in the beautiful views, as though they were medieval soldiers! Alongside this, we were lucky enough to see an Archer, showing us how to handle a bow, aim and shoot. In addition, we were able to catch two shows. Firstly, the Falconers quest, which consisted of exotic vultures from around the world such as the Andean Condor, Stellars Eagle & the Harris Hawk – flying, swooping and lopping in front of the audience. This was a huge favourite. Secondly, the Trebuchet, where we learnt all about the fascinating mechanics behind one of the biggest pieces of technology from the medieval era in an interactive and educational show.
All in all, Warwick castle was a brilliant experience. Our students were a credit to themselves and our community. They represented Derby Moor in the best possible way and made us all very proud.
Student Leadership Update
As we come to the end of this half term, the Student Leadership Team would like to share some of the exciting events and initiatives that have been taking place across our academy community.
Black History Month: This week marks the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, where we have been recognising the incredible achievements and contributions of Black academics and scholars. Throughout the month, students have explored key figures in education and research, deepening their understanding of how Black history shapes the world we live in today.
To end the celebration, we are delighted to offer students the opportunity to take part in our Poetry and Art competitions, encouraging creativity and reflection on the importance of diversity, identity and culture.
Diwali Fayre: This week, our academy was filled with colour, joy, and community spirit as we celebrated Diwali with a three-day fayre. Students and staff enjoyed a range of activities, including Origami, Henna, and a Lucky Dip, alongside the chance to purchase delicious treats such as Samosas, Spring Rolls, and Jalebi. A huge thank you to everyone who helped organise and take part in this wonderful celebration of light and togetherness.
Looking Ahead to Next Half Term
Student Associates: We are excited to welcome our Year 12 Student Associates to the Student Leadership Team. Their ideas and enthusiasm will help us to continue developing student voice and promoting a positive school culture across all year groups.
Remembrance Poppy Appeal: In the run-up to Remembrance Day, the Student Leadership Team will be circulating forms to allow students to purchase a poppy and make a contribution to this important cause. We encourage everyone to take part as we honour those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
Anti-Bullying Week: We are also preparing to mark Anti-Bullying Week, which will include year group assemblies and a variety of activities to promote kindness, respect, and inclusion across our school. More information will be shared soon, so keep an eye out for updates.
Celebrating Black History Month
As part of our on-going commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we were delighted to take part in activities celebrating Black History Month this October.
This week, we welcomed pupils and staff from Ashwood Spencer Academy and Highfields Spencer Academy to watch our students deliver presentations on three inspirational figures from Black history – Malorie Blackman, Mary Seacole, and Walter Tull. Our students gave engaging and informative talks that inspired thoughtful questions and discussion from the visiting primary pupils.
We are incredibly proud of how confidently they represented our school and the effort they put into researching and preparing their presentations. It was also really nice to connect with colleagues and young people from across our Spencer family of schools.
English Employability Scores
If you have a child currently in Years 8–10, you will have recently received their report from the end of last year, which includes Employability data from English. We’re delighted to share how brilliantly our students performed – they showed excellent effort, teamwork, and confidence throughout their in-class assessments. A score of 4 represents a pass (the expected standard for KS3), while 3, 2, and 1 indicate higher achievement at Merit, Merit+, and Distinction levels. We’re incredibly proud of their hard work and positive attitude!
KS3 English Homework
This term, all Year 7 students have been onboarded to the Sparx Reader app, a digital library where students can access their weekly reading homework. Students use the same login as for Sparx Maths. Each week, they are set a reading assignment on Sparx Reader, with homework due every Monday, and their progress is monitored by their English teacher. There is also a Sparx Reader Lunchtime Club every Wednesday in SO20, where students can receive extra support with Sparx Reader from an English teacher.
Sparx Reader offers a range of ebooks tailored to each student’s reading level, incorporating questions to encourage careful reading and reward points for tracking progress. Consistent, careful readers may unlock “Gold Reader,” allowing them to log any paper book from the library or home by scanning its barcode.
Sports update
Cross Country: Selected students have been invited to represent Derby Moor Academy at the Inter Schools Cross Country Championships on Friday 7th November at Moorways Stadium. Letters with consent forms have been sent home. For the rest of the year, training will take place on Thursdays after school from 3.15 until 4.15pm on the fields and paths around school. Mr Bal will support this activity.
PE Kit: A reminder to all parents that the weather will be getting colder as we return and layers are important for their PE lessons. Please see the school website for more details regarding PE Kit.
Climate Action Plan
A final reminder that as part of our Climate Action Plan, we are going to be phasing out single use water bottles in school. We will no longer be selling single use bottles after half term. Students will need to bring a reusable bottle to school, which can be filled up at one of the water fountains. Additionally, they will continue to have access to the juice machines in the dining room at break or lunchtime, the token will be part of the meal-deal. Please help us to achieve this small step to sustainability by providing your child with a refillable bottle for drinks within the school day. Bottles can be purchased in school for £1.50, payable via ParentPay or in the canteen.
Careers update
This week’s job of the week is a ‘surgeon’
Derby Moor Dispatch: The Derby Moor Dispatch goes out weekly to all students in Year 11, 12 and 13. The Dispatch contains a wide range of opportunities for work experience, summer schools, careers related webinars and so on. Please do have a look at the latest edition. The Dispatch is emailed to the students’ school email address, so it is important that they check this regularly on a Monday. You can also view the Dispatch via the Careers page of the Derby Moor website. Please take a look at the website as there is a wealth of useful information including a specific page for parents.
Luminate Careers: Our independent and impartial Careers Advisers from Luminate Careers have an excellent website with a wealth of useful information Please have a look at these links designed for parents/carers about careers conversation starters and Post 16 Options. All Year 11 students will be receiving a helpful booklet produced by Luminate Careers about Post 16 Options shortly.
Final thoughts
We have had quite a half term. These updates document the weekly activities that take place across our academy beyond the usual lessons and experiences that form the taught curriculum. Whilst we may talk less about that side of things, we shouldn’t understate how impactful the quality of teaching are students receive is. Our approach is tailored to our students and built upon solid research of what works well. It provides consistency and predictability for students, allowing them to be themselves, take risks with their learning and flourish. During tours of the school with families and on my daily walkarounds you can see the impact of this in classrooms and on the overall climate in the school. This gives us a foundation to do the additional, extra and super-curricular activities that help to give our students a wider, more rounded world-class experience. This half term has certainly felt that way from my perspective. Speaking to students and staff this week it is clear that we are all ready for a little rest, because learning is intense, but our day-to-day experience is one of positivity, warmth and collaboration. Together We Succeed.
Wishing you a wonderful half term break,
Scott Doyle
Principal